Waiheke Island is the most populated and the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Its ferry terminal in Matiatia Bay at the western end is 21.5 km from the central-city terminal in Auckland.
Waiheke is the second-largest island in the gulf, after Great Barrier Island. It is the most populated island in the gulf, with 9,660 permanent residents. Another estimated 3,400 have a second or holiday homes on the island. It is New Zealand's most densely populated island and the third most populated after the North and South Islands. It is the most accessible island in the gulf, with regular passenger and car-ferry services, a helicopter operator based on the island, and other air links.
